I. Choose the word/phrase/sentence (A, B, C, or D) that best fits the space or best answers the question given in each sentence. (3.5 pts)
1. Which word has the underlined part pronounced differently from that of the others?
| A. myths | B. beliefs | C. themes | D. proofs |
2. Which word has the underlined part pronounced differently from that of the others?
| A. gauge | B. author | C. taught | D. caught |
3. Which word has a different stress pattern from that of the others?
| A. conscientious | B. superstitious | C. recommendation | D. ceremonious |
4. Which word has a different stress pattern from that of the others?
| A. deteriorate | B. cumulative | C. exaggerate | D. accelerate |
5. Literary Critic: Not until the author’s posthumous manuscripts ______ did scholars fully appreciate the scope of her philosophical insights.
Academic: Indeed, her contribution to modern thought has been dramatically reassessed.
| A. had been discovered |
| B. were discovered |
| C. have been discovered |
| D. would be discovered |
6. Architectural Conservator: The medieval fresco requires immediate intervention.
Restoration Expert: We’ve discovered that the most significant deterioration is occurring ______ the junction of the north transept and the main nave.
| A. at | B. upon | C. across | D. beside |
7. Literary Critic: His latest novel appears to be indebted ______ the post-modernist traditions of Pynchon and DeLillo.
Publisher: Yet he adamantly denies these influences, claiming to be versed solely in classical Russian literature.
| A. for | B. in | C. to | D. with |
8. United Nations Delegate: We must ______ this environmental accord even if implementation proves difficult initially.
Climate Minister: Our nation is prepared to demonstrate leadership despite the short-term economic adjustments required.
| A. touch on | B. see through | C. back away from | D. come across |
9. Literature Professor: The novel ______ we’re analyzing next week explores themes of identity and belonging.
Student: I’m particularly interested in the character ______ journey mirrors contemporary migration experiences.
| A. which / whose | B. about which / who |
| C. that / whom | D. whose / who’s |
10. Friend: How did you feel before your piano recital?
Musician: I was really ______. My hands were shaking and my heart was racing.
| A. relaxed | B. bored | C. nervous | D. confident |
11. Coach: The competition is next week, ______ we need to practice harder.
Athlete: I’ll put in extra hours every day until then.
| A. but | B. unless | C. so | D. while |
12. Parent: Making the right ______ about your high school is important for your future.
Student: I’m considering all the options carefully.
| A. choice | B. selection | C. decision | D. pick |
13. Grandmother: Would you like more soup, dear?
Grandson: “________________________”
| A. Soup is hot. |
| B. No, thank you. I’m full now. |
| C. You cook every day. |
| D. How do you make soup? |
14. Doctor: “________________________”
Patient: I’ve been taking it twice daily with meals, as prescribed.
| A. What symptoms are you experiencing? |
| B. Have you been taking your medication regularly? |
| C. When did you first notice this problem? |
| D. Are you allergic to any medications? |
II. Look at the sign or the notice. Choose the best answer (A, B, C, or D) for questions 15 and 16. (0.5 pt)
| 15. What does this warning sign specifically prohibit?
A. Mixed-gender restroom usage B. Loitering near restroom facilities C. Peeping or voyeuristic behavior toward women D. Unauthorized access to women’s restrooms |
|
| 16. What does this yellow triangular warning sign alert people about?
A. Falling objects from above B. Overhead electrical hazard C. Risk of head injury from low ceiling D. Construction work in progress |
III. Choose the word (A, B, C, or D) that best fits each space in the following passage. (1.5 pts)
Dear Emma,
I decided to start my digital detox journey yesterday. My smartphone addiction has become a serious problem affecting my concentration and grades. The constant (17) ______ from social media platforms were destroying my focus during study sessions. I realized technology was controlling my daily routine instead of helping me. My parents noticed my (18) ______ and distracted behavior recently. Without my phone, I feel more peaceful and productive throughout the day.
During break time, I observed classmates scrolling through their devices mindlessly. (19) ______ classes and after school, I now spend time reading books or talking with friends face-to-face. Against my initial expectations, this experience has been surprisingly refreshing. My academic performance (20) ______ significantly within just one week. Creative thinking and problem-solving skills returned naturally. Sleep quality has also become much better since I stopped using (21) ______ before bedtime. Physical exercise and outdoor activities replaced my (22) ______ digital entertainment habits.
Would you consider joining me in this digital detox challenge? I believe this lifestyle change could benefit many teenagers struggling with similar issues.
Best wishes,
| 17. A. notifications | B. advertisements | C. updates | D. interruptions |
| 18. A. tired | B. nervous | C. angry | D. irritable |
| 19. A. During | B. Between | C. Around | D. Among |
| 20. A. improved | B. fluctuated | C. declined | D. stagnated |
| 21. A. gadgets | B. appliances | C. screens | D. headphones |
| 22. A. mindless | B. addictive | C. excessive | D. previous |
IV. Read the following leaflet BUILDING A CULTURE OF COMPASSION. Decide whether the statements from 23 to 26 are True or False and choose the correct answer (A, B, C, or D) to complete the statements in the questions 27 and 28. (1.5 pts)
Kindness represents one of humanity’s most powerful forces for positive change. When we practice compassion regularly, we create ripple effects that transform entire communities. Research demonstrates that acts of generosity not only benefit recipients but also improve the giver’s mental health and overall well-being. Small gestures often carry tremendous impact. Helping elderly neighbors with groceries, listening carefully when friends share problems, or simply smiling at strangers can brighten someone’s difficult day. These simple actions cost nothing yet provide immeasurable value to society.
Schools play a crucial role in developing empathetic citizens. Educational institutions that prioritize character development alongside academic achievement produce students who understand the importance of treating others with respect and understanding. Teachers who model caring behavior inspire young people to embrace similar values. Workplace environments also benefit significantly from compassionate leadership. Companies that encourage supportive relationships among employees experience higher productivity, reduced stress levels, and improved job satisfaction. When colleagues feel valued and appreciated, they naturally become more motivated and collaborative.
Technology offers new opportunities for spreading kindness globally. Social media platforms enable people to share inspiring stories, organize charitable initiatives, and connect with others who need support. Online communities dedicated to helping others demonstrate how digital tools can foster genuine human connection. Building a culture of compassion requires consistent effort from individuals, families, schools, and organizations. When everyone commits to treating others with dignity and understanding, we create a world where kindness becomes the norm rather than the exception.
23. Practicing kindness benefits only the people who receive help, not those who give it.
| A. True | B. False |
24. Schools that focus solely on academic performance create more compassionate students than those that emphasize character development.
| A. True | B. False |
25. The passage suggests that expensive gifts are more meaningful than simple acts of kindness.
| A. True | B. False |
26. Technology can be used effectively to promote compassionate behavior across different communities.
| A. True | B. False |
27. According to the passage, companies with compassionate leadership experience all of the following EXCEPT ______.
| A. Higher productivity levels |
| B. Reduced employee stress |
| C. Increased salary demands |
| D. Improved job satisfaction |
28. According to the passage, which statement best describes the relationship between small acts of kindness and their impact ______.
| A. Minor gestures create only temporary effects |
| B. Simple actions can have tremendous influence |
| C. Expensive gifts produce better results |
| D. Complex planning is necessary for meaningful change |
V. Use the correct form of the word given in each sentence. (1.5 pts)
29. The ______ of certain algorithms enables computers to recognize speech patterns. (sophisticate)
30. The literary critic analyzed the ______ themes in the author’s body of work. (recur)
31. The ______ of geological evidence supports theories about ancient climate patterns. (preponderant)
32. The government’s fiscal ______ was intended to counteract inflationary pressures. (austere)
33. Scientists are studying the ______ properties of certain compounds in medical applications. (therapeutic)
34. The ______ of socioeconomic factors on educational outcomes requires multi-faceted solutions. (intersect)
VI. Look at the entry of the word ‘elaborate’ in a dictionary. Use what you can get from the entry to complete the sentences with two or three words. (0.5 pt)
elaborate (adjective)
/ɪˈlæbərət/
[usually before noun]
very complicated and detailed; carefully prepared and organized
elaborate designs
I had prepared a very elaborate meal.
an elaborate computer system
— Extra Examples
highly elaborate carvings
It all turned out to be an elaborate hoax.
The ceiling was tiled in an elaborate pattern.
This elaborate deception fooled his family for ages.
35. The funny news story was just an ______ by some students.
36. She drew ______ on her notebook cover.
VII. Rewrite each of the following sentences in another way so that it means almost the same as the sentence printed before it. (1.0 pt)
37. Gold is more valuable than silver.
→ Silver __________________________________________
38. They are building a new bridge across the river.
→ A new bridge __________________________________________
39. The company decided to terminate the contract.
→ The company decided __________________________________________
40. The new policies made it very difficult for small businesses to survive.
→ The new policies __________________________________________
